CHALLENGES FACING THE UTILIZATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FOR EFFECTIVE CONDUCT AND MANAGEMENT OF EXAMINATIONS IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, YOLA

The study is to examine the challenges facing the utilization of Information and Communication Technology for effective conduct and management of examinations in the Federal College of Yola, Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria. Three objectives and three research questions were raised to guide the conduct of the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Where a sample of 621 respondents were randomly selected from the study area. These respondents comprised of 378 students and 234 lecturers. 27 items intended to elicit information on the application of Information and Communication Technology in the administration of the Federal College of Education, Yola. The finding of the study revealed that: ICT is applied in the areas of Computer-based test and examination management, Staff and Students record keeping, Admission process, and financial management. Despite the application of ICT in the administration of tertiary institutions, there are certain challenges affecting the application of ICT on school management in Federal College of Education, Yola like: insufficient number of computers and peripherals, inadequate copies of software, lack of technical assistance, inconsistent electric power supply and inconsistent networks. Based on the foregoing review the following recommendations are made: Tertiary institutions should be equipped with the modern and advanced technological infrastructure to enable the effective use of appropriate technologies required for teaching and learning programmes and Schools should be provided with appropriate and adequate software and programmes for the effective application of ICT.